Azerbaijan Grants Visa‑Free Entry to Hong Kong Passport Holders
On January 30, 2026, the government of Hong Kong announced that it has received notification from the government of Azerbaijan that Hong Kong passport holders may visit
Read More »Trump Administration’s Visa Issuance Suspension is Challenged in Lawsuit
On January 14, EIG reported that effective January 21, 2026, the US State Department would pause the issuance of immigrant visas to applicants who are nationals of designated
Read More »EU Adopts First‑Ever Visa Strategy to Strengthen Security and Boost Competitiveness
On January 29, 2026, the European Commission adopted its first-ever EU Visa Strategy. It sets out a framework for a strategic visa policy that aims to advance
Read More »China to Grant Visa‑Free Entry to UK Nationals for 30‑Day Stays
On January 29, 2026, China and the UK agreed a new partnership, which will include visa-free entry to China for UK nationals for visits up to 30 days. The date of
Read More »Judge Blocks Myanmar/Burma TPS Termination
Judge Matthew F. Kennelly of the Northern District of Illinois temporarily blocked the Trump administration from terminating Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for
Read More »California Implements New Workplace “Know Your Rights” Notice Requirement Beginning February 1, 2026
Beginning February 1, 2026, all California employers will be required to provide written notice of employees’ workplace and constitutional rights to all new hires and
Read More »Saudi Arabia Expands Saudization Across Engineering, Procurement, Marketing, and Sales Roles
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) recently announced decisions to increase Saudization rates in several more professions. On December 31, 2025,
Read More »Philippines Introduces 14‑Day Visa‑Free Entry for Chinese Nationals
The Department of Foreign Affairs has announced that, effective January 16, 2026 and for at least one year, Chinese nationals may enter the Philippines without needing to
Read More »Ireland Extends Travel Confirmation Notice for Non‑EEA Residents to February 28, 2026
Immigration Services are currently experiencing a backlog in processing registrations. Following the completion of a registration, it may take a further two weeks to receive
Read More »FY 2027 H‑1B Cap: Initial Registration Period Opens March 4, 2026
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that the initial registration period for the FY 2027 H‑1B cap will open at 12:00 pm ET on March 4, 2026, and
Read More »New Zealand Introduces New Rent Caps for RSE Worker Accommodation Starting April 2026
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced that a new approach to accommodation costs for Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers will take effect from April 2026. Under
Read More »Texas Governor Orders Freeze on New H‑1B Petitions by State Agencies
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued a directive instructing all state agencies and public institutions of higher education to halt the filing of new H‑1B visa petitions
Read More »